Previous joker By: Patrick Boyer and Nick Bettendorf
Staff Writers
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck in “Joker,” the long-awaited feature film about Batman’s most popular arch-nemesis and how he came to be The Joker. Despite the controversy regarding the movie’s depiction of gun violence and mental health issues, “Joker” shattered opening box office records at a high $93.5 million domestically and $140.5 million overseas.
Staff Writers
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck in “Joker,” the long-awaited feature film about Batman’s most popular arch-nemesis and how he came to be The Joker. Despite the controversy regarding the movie’s depiction of gun violence and mental health issues, “Joker” shattered opening box office records at a high $93.5 million domestically and $140.5 million overseas.
Directed by Todd Phillips, “Joker” follows the story of wannabe comedian Arthur Fleck. Fleck was born to be a mentally deranged social reject, with a history of insanity that equals his mother’s; in the past, both mother and son have spent time in an insane asylum. Now they share one common bond: watching Franklin Murray (portrayed by Robert De Niro) on his nightly TV comedy show.
Abused as a child, Fleck is left with a rare medical condition that produces his uncontrollable, untimely fits of laughter during the troublesome times in his life. Ironically, he finds refuge in the career of being a clown, a placeholder job before he breaks big as a comedian. However, fate has another plan at hand.
Phillips has no trouble picking up the pace. Fleck is soon fired from a job at a children's hospital after being discovered with a loaded gun. Isolated and alone, Fleck struggles to become the comedian star he’s always hoped to be. With his faith in humanity fleeting, Fleck’s madness rises as he transforms into the criminal mastermind deemed Joker.
This movie definitely left us shocked and surprised at every turn, but we loved the fact that every detail was drawn out to a T. Personally, we think Phoenix is one of the best actors to ever play Joker. But ahead of Phoenix, we put Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson as fan favorites.
Leaving us wanting more, the cinematography and soundtrack kept us on the edge of our seats, especially with the addition of Frank Sinatra’s “Send In The Clowns.” Phillips did an outstanding job making sure audiences wanted more, ending with a tasteful cliffhanger.
“Joker” is not a movie for everyone, but it is a thrill ride nonetheless. Crying, laughing, kicking and screaming, Phoenix and Phillips made the character development spectacular to watch. We have no doubts that the film and those who made it will be nominated for awards at the next Oscars. The film is rated R, so viewer discretion is advised, especially for those who are sensitive to topics such as mental health issues and violence. We give this movie five clown masks out of five.
Abused as a child, Fleck is left with a rare medical condition that produces his uncontrollable, untimely fits of laughter during the troublesome times in his life. Ironically, he finds refuge in the career of being a clown, a placeholder job before he breaks big as a comedian. However, fate has another plan at hand.
Phillips has no trouble picking up the pace. Fleck is soon fired from a job at a children's hospital after being discovered with a loaded gun. Isolated and alone, Fleck struggles to become the comedian star he’s always hoped to be. With his faith in humanity fleeting, Fleck’s madness rises as he transforms into the criminal mastermind deemed Joker.
This movie definitely left us shocked and surprised at every turn, but we loved the fact that every detail was drawn out to a T. Personally, we think Phoenix is one of the best actors to ever play Joker. But ahead of Phoenix, we put Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson as fan favorites.
Leaving us wanting more, the cinematography and soundtrack kept us on the edge of our seats, especially with the addition of Frank Sinatra’s “Send In The Clowns.” Phillips did an outstanding job making sure audiences wanted more, ending with a tasteful cliffhanger.
“Joker” is not a movie for everyone, but it is a thrill ride nonetheless. Crying, laughing, kicking and screaming, Phoenix and Phillips made the character development spectacular to watch. We have no doubts that the film and those who made it will be nominated for awards at the next Oscars. The film is rated R, so viewer discretion is advised, especially for those who are sensitive to topics such as mental health issues and violence. We give this movie five clown masks out of five.